Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 17 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

High-efficiency Goodman combo delivering 97% heating and 18 SEER cooling at budget-friendly pricing.

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 17 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$89
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This system suits budget-conscious homeowners and contractors seeking solid efficiency without premium pricing. The modulating furnace and two-stage condenser deliver real comfort gains, making it ideal for moderate-to-cold climates where heating runtime is substantial.

Review

Goodman's 3-ton upflow system represents solid midmarket value for homeowners tired of aging furnaces and underperforming AC units. The brand has built reputation through no-frills engineering and straightforward reliability rather than cutting-edge features. This particular configuration pairs a high-efficiency furnace with modern cooling technology, delivering meaningful energy savings compared to 10-15 year old equipment still running in many homes today.

The furnace achieves 97% AFUE using modulating burner technology that fires at multiple stages to match heating load, eliminating wasteful full-capacity cycling. The air conditioning side delivers 18 SEER2 efficiency through a two-stage scroll compressor and PVC-compatible exhaust design. Variable-speed ECM blower adjusts cfm up to 1,600 based on demand, keeping electricity consumption lower than fixed-speed motors. These efficiency ratings qualify the system for ENERGY STAR certification, translating to lower utility bills year-round.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 97% AFUE furnace means only 3% energy loss, reducing monthly heating bills significantly on natural gas or propane
  • 18 SEER2 cooling efficiency qualifies for ENERGY STAR, lowering AC operating costs in summer months
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor automatically adjusts airflow, improving comfort and reducing electricity draw versus fixed-speed units
  • Modulating gas burner fires at multiple stages, matching capacity to actual heating demand rather than running full blast
  • Two-stage condenser compressor ramps cooling output up or down, enhancing efficiency and reducing runtime noise to 71 dBA
  • PVC exhaust compatibility simplifies installation in tight spaces where traditional metal flue venting is difficult

Cons

  • Price listed as $89 appears incomplete or placeholder, not reflecting typical installed system cost of $4,000-$6,000
  • 5-ton tonnage stated in specs conflicts with 3-ton product title, creating specification confusion for sizing verification
  • 80,000 BTU heating capacity may undersizes homes larger than 2,500-3,000 square feet in very cold climates
  • 10-year warranty requires online registration, which some homeowners find inconvenient or forget to complete
  • 71 dBA sound level at full capacity is moderate-to-loud, potentially noticeable in quieter homes or bedrooms

Who Should Buy

Best For

Budget-focused homeowners in moderate-to-cold regions who prioritize heating efficiency and want 18 SEER cooling without paying for premium brands. Contractors installing replacement systems in multi-story upflow configurations will appreciate the variable-speed blower and straightforward upflow design.

Consider Alternatives If

Homeowners in very large homes over 3,500 square feet should verify tonnage specs before committing, as stated tonnage conflicts may indicate sizing issues.

3 Ton 17 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$89
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Upflow installation fits standard attic-mounted or basement configurations common in residential construction. PVC exhaust compatibility simplifies flue routing versus traditional metal venting, particularly valuable in retrofit applications. The 21-by-21-by-30 inch footprint suits most standard equipment closets. Technicians will need 208-230V single-phase power with 21.9 to 35 amp breaker sizing, standard for most homes. Sweat valve connections on 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction lines follow industry norms.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts warranty covers manufacturing defects when registered online, providing meaningful protection against premature compressor or heat exchanger failure. Registration is straightforward but mandatory, so new owners must complete this immediately after installation. Goodman's warranty doesn't cover labor, so clarify installation labor guarantees with your contractor separately. Extended coverage options may be available through dealers or service plans.

Specifications

SKUTX3N4
Brand/ManufacturerGoodman
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)71
Weight (in lbs)2.500000
FeatureSpec
AHRI Certificate Number7424266
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE97%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesModulating
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Height30"
Width21"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPF Installation Manual CAPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents.
Safety InformationPROPOSITION 65 WARNING This product and many products on our site may contain a chemical know to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information about Proposition 65 please Click Here.
SEER1 (Efficiency)18
Condenser StagesTwo Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size7/8"
Max Breaker Size35 amps
Min. Breaker Size21.9 amps
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 97% AFUE furnace really save that much on heating costs? +
Yes. A 97% AFUE furnace delivers 97 BTU of heat for every 100 BTU of fuel burned, versus 78-80% on older units. Over 5-10 years, this translates to $500-$1,500 savings on natural gas heating, depending on climate and usage patterns. Payback accelerates in colder regions running furnaces 6+ months annually.
What's the difference between 18 SEER and other cooling ratings I've seen? +
SEER2 rating replaced older SEER methodology in 2023. An 18 SEER2 unit delivers approximately 15-16 SEER by old standards. It runs 25-30% more efficient than 13 SEER baseline equipment, reducing summer AC costs noticeably. Scroll compressor and two-stage operation are key efficiency drivers in this unit.
Can I use propane instead of natural gas? +
Yes, this furnace accepts both propane and natural gas, though you'll need a conversion kit during installation. Propane delivers roughly 8% more BTU per unit volume than natural gas. Ensure your propane supplier and installer coordinate conversion calibration for safe, efficient operation.
How does the variable-speed blower motor save energy compared to standard fixed-speed? +
Variable-speed ECM motors ramp cfm up or down with heating and cooling demand rather than running full blast continuously. This reduces blower electricity draw by 30-50% annually. You'll notice quieter operation during mild weather and steadier room-to-room temperature balance than fixed-speed units.
Why does the product title say 3 ton but specs list 5 ton? +
This specification conflict requires immediate clarification with your supplier before purchase. Request AHRI Certificate 7424266 documentation confirming actual tonnage and confirm with your installer that sizing matches your home's calculated load.

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